This is an open letter and formal request to the people in charge of the former Saint Kevin property – we are asking for a chance to walk inside these buildings one last time and say a proper good-bye.

by Robert Gillis Published in the Foxboro Reporter and Boston City Paper, 5/2013

Father Steve Madden (right) with Father Jay Makos (left) and Cardinal Sean O’Malley in 2009 at the celebration of the 150th anniversary of Saint Mary’s Church. Foxboro Reporter Photo

Each year around this time, I’ve made it a tradition to write a piece about spirituality, about faith, religion, or clergy who have made a difference in my life. While this column is not “church chat” and is intended toward folks of all faiths (or none), I’d like to talk today about three members of the clergy who make a difference, and encourage you, if you are so inclined, to thank your clergy or spiritual leaders as well.

By Robert GillisPublished in the Foxboro Reporter and Boston City paper 10/2011

A few years ago I attended a family wedding. During mass, several of my other cousins and extended family were looking at each other during mass, unsure of when to sit, stand, and so on. I overheard my favorite cousin Michelle whisper, “Just do what Bobby does, he knows.”

I was flattered by that comment and the perception that I was such an expert on the customs of mass, but I also felt some guilt.

Preparing for the Holy Thursday washing of the feet at Saint Catherine of Siena

By Robert Gillis

Published in the Foxboro Reporter and the Boston City paper, 5/2011.

While Easter has passed and elections have been in full swing here in Foxboro, we are still in the Easter season, so perhaps my message is still timely.

There is an old tradition of visiting seven churches on Holy Thursday (the day before Good Friday). The practice probably dates back to in ancient Rome, when early Christian pilgrims visited the seven major churches as an act of penance.

by Robert Gillis
Published in The Foxboro Reporter 12/2008 and 12/2005, and the Boston City Paper 12/2008

When I was a teenager, our friend Eileen Gustin worked at the information desk at nearby Saint Margaret’s Hospital on Cushing Avenue. Everyone liked her — she was like a wonderful aunt to all the neighborhood kids. She always had something good to say about everyone, and she was a person of very deep faith, with a strong love of God.

Interior of beautiful St Leonard Church, North End 42 North End – Saint Leonards Church

By Robert Gillis
Published in the Foxboro Reporter and the Boston City paper 3/2008

Years ago, Mom explained that you receive what is known as a plenary indulgence if you visited seven churches on Good Friday. I did find a reference to receiving an indulgence for “Devoutly take part in the adoration of the cross during the solemn liturgy of Good Friday.” And I see that many countries still practice a tradition of visiting seven churches on either Holy Thursday or Good Friday.

In loving memory of Father John Joseph Kierce,
pastor of Saint Kevin Church, Uphams Corner, Dorchester for 50 years

by Robert Gillis
published in the Foxboro Reporter, 3/2006 and the Boston City Paper 6/2006

Without exception, every priest I have ever met — every single priest I have ever met in my entire life — has been an inspiration, a role model, and a good person doing a difficult, sometimes Herculean job.

by Robert Gillis
Published in The Foxboro Reporter 6/2005 and the Boston City Paper 2006

The evil actions of a very small percentage of priests have cast a shadow of suspicion, fear, and hostility toward the entire vocation, and that’s a tragedy, and an insult to the huge number of good men who have devoted their entire lives in the service of God.

As a Roman Catholic, I have a great respect and love for the priesthood.

by Robert Gillis
Published in The Foxboro Reporter 4/2005 and the Boston City Paper 4/2007

The legacy of Pope John Paul II will be chronicled, celebrated, debated, cherished, pondered, analyzed, and remembered for many years to come. He has been pope for all but 13 years of my life, and I miss him. Although I am relieved his suffering his ended, I grieve at his passing.

It’s been very hard to watch the Holy Father fail over the last few years.

by Robert Gillis
Published in The Foxboro Reporter 6/2003 and the Boston City paper in 2006

It’s Friday afternoon, the last day of my vacation, and I’m feeling nostalgic. I don’t know why, but I can’t get my mind away from my old stomping grounds in Dorchester. My old neighborhood has been on my mind so much that it’s practically a compulsion that I take the only sunny day in recent memory, point the car north on route 95 and head back here I grew up, trusty digital camera at my side.

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